Jakarta (ANTARA) – Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi emphasized that the Letung and Sedanau Ferry Ports in the Riau Islands play a strategic role in strengthening interregional connectivity and facilitating the flow of logistics across border areas.“The existence of the Letung and Sedanau Ferry Ports is highly strategic in improving the mobility of people, vehicles, and logistics between regions,” Dudy said during the inauguration ceremony held in the Riau Islands on Thursday (Nov 6).During the event, which was also attended by Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), the minister inaugurated two key transportation infrastructures – the Letung and Sedanau Ferry Ports.The ceremony took place at Letung Port, located in the Anambas Islands District.Dudy highlighted that maritime transportation serves as the lifeline for communities living across the archipelagic region of the Riau Islands.Therefore, the construction of ferry ports demonstrates the government’s strong commitment to improving inter-island connectivity and promoting equitable development, particularly in frontier, outermost, and disadvantaged areas.With the operation of these new ports, public access is expected to become more convenient, logistics costs more efficient, and local products more competitive in wider markets.Before Letung Port was built, residents had to make a stop in Matak and use traditional boats that lacked safety standards, making travel longer and riskier.Now, the 283-kilometer route from Tanjung Uban to Letung can be completed in around 15 hours, while the 85-kilometer trip from Letung to Matak takes approximately five hours.“Most importantly, people can now travel safely and comfortably between islands using better vessels,” Dudy stated.In addition to the two ferry ports, the minister also inaugurated the Regional Land Transportation Management Agency (BPTD) Class II Riau Islands office, which symbolizes the government’s effort to enhance public service capacity in land and ferry transportation.The new office is designed to serve as a modern, efficient, and professional coordination center supporting national connectivity policies.Dudy invited all stakeholders, including local governments, business players, and communities, to maintain and optimize the use of these facilities so their benefits can be felt sustainably.Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Transportation for completing the construction of the two ferry ports and the new BPTD Class II Riau Islands office.He underscored President Prabowo Subianto’s vision of building a more prosperous and equitable Indonesia in all sectors.“With the establishment of these two ferry ports, we hope the economy and welfare of the Riau Islands community will continue to improve in the future,” AHY said.Letung Ferry Port is located in East Jemaja sub-district, Anambas Islands District, on an area of 4,200 square meters. Sedanau Ferry Port is situated in West Bunguran sub-district, Natuna District, covering an area of 4,260 square meters.Both ferry ports will be served by the pioneer vessel KMP Bahtera Nusantara 01, with a capacity of 1,500 GT, capable of carrying 296 passengers and 26 vehicles.The vessel operates along the route Tanjung Uban-Letung-Matak-Midai-Sedanau-Penagi-Subi-Serasan-Sintete, further strengthening inter-island maritime connectivity across western Indonesia.
Letung and Sedanau ports boost connectivity, logistics in border areas
